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Cut pattern pieces coming out skewed
Krystal907 Member since 11/8/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/10/12 3:25 AM I am pretty new to sewing and I am having a big problem. When I cut out my pattern, the fabric never matches up with my pattern piece. It always comes out skewed to one direction. I've done it on muslin and now unfortunately I've done it on satin that I was hoping to make into my Christmas dress and I'm in tears. I will post pictures if no one gets what I'm saying. Please help.
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to Krystal907 << Like this post Date: 12/10/12 4:28 AM I think pictures would help us.
tg33 Beginner IRELAND Member since 11/11/08 Posts: 954	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 12/10/12 6:08 AM It sounds like the fabric is shifting under the pattern piece when you are cutting it out. Cutting out is something I find is harder than it seems! On top of that, satin is one of the hardest fabics to cut out. ETA: how are you cutting out the fabric? Are you using scissors or a rotary cutter? How are you holding the fabric to the pattern, pins or pattern weights? -- Edited on 12/10/12 6:10 AM -- ------ Reading from Europe
Vicsguy Advanced Beginner OH USA Member since 5/17/09 Posts: 143	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/10/12 6:40 AM I place tissue paper under the fabric and between the two layers of fabric when I cut slippery fabrics and pin through all layers. Don't skimp on the pins. I also use a rotary cutter. If you choose to use a rotary cutter, I suggest you keep the handle vertical rather than at an angle. Holding it at an angle tends to push the fabric out of alignment slightly. Don't skimp on pins! Another option is to add the seam lines to the pattern then trace those onto the fabric using waxed tracing paper. This method allows you to cut widely around the pattern. Your seam lines are more important anyway. You can always trim the seam allowances later if they are too wide. This is a method I learned on the Craftsy Couture Dress class. Don't despair. I'd bet most of us have had the same problem. It's just one more sewing lesson you're learning.
Krystal907 Member since 11/8/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/10/12 2:12 PM I will have to post the pictures tonight when I get home from work. I use weights to hold everything in place and a rotary cutter. I've tried both the 45mm where you grip the trigger safety and push the cutter along as well as a smaller rotary cutter at a vertical angle. Both produce the same results. I was thinking maybe the fabric is stretching or something underneath and when the rest of the fabric is cut off it goes back to its normal shape, but I just dont know. Hopefully y'all can give me some answers after I post the pictures.
simplystitches Intermediate NY USA Member since 2/12/06 Posts: 766	Login to reply to this post In reply to Krystal907 << Like this post Date: 12/10/12 3:54 PM Are you allowing extra fabric to hang off a table when you cut? That would cause it to stretch and put tension on the pieces being cut and once cut they will shrink back. Debbie
solosmocker Advanced NY USA Member since 1/23/06 Posts: 1256	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/10/12 3:59 PM The rotary cutter really should give you a clean cut. Satin is extremely slippery and therefore difficult to cut. To rotary cut you need have lots of weights all around the pattern piece. Use your left hand to brace the fabric and pattern. Before you move your cutter look at your hand and in front of the cutter to make sure it is not in the way. Personally, I am thinking you may need a new blade. If you have been cutting synthetics like poly they can dull the blade very quickly. Are you try to cut with your rotary cutter and no ruler? That can be difficult. I would suggest a straight 18 inch acrylic ruler and an acrylic French curve or hip curve to cut around curves. The ruler helps stabilized the cutter and help keep it on the right path. I don't like to use pins at all, even on satin if I am using a rotary cutter. Cut a side of the pattern piece and then pin it AFTER cutting so that as you go along the fabric won't slip further underneath the pattern piece. Don't pin within the garment, beyond the seam allowances, on satin. It will permanently mar your fabric. Good luck. ------ http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
Krystal907 Member since 11/8/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post In reply to simplystitches << Like this post Date: 12/10/12 5:19 PM Quote: simplystitches Are you allowing extra fabric to hang off a table when you cut? That would cause it to stretch and put tension on the pieces being cut and once cut they will shrink back. Debbie I am. It occurred to me that might be the issue, but I'll have to do some creative thinking as I don't think my table is big enough to hold all the fabric. I will have to check to see if it make a difference and report back. Thanks!
ElizabethDee   Advanced Beginner NY USA Member since 12/27/06 Posts: 709	Login to reply to this post In reply to Krystal907 << Like this post Date: 12/10/12 5:49 PM You can lay out and cut only some of the fabric, while folding up the fabric that otherwise doesn't fit on the table (obviously, you want to be sure of your layout before you do this!). That way you avoid any stretch or distortion. But I sure wish Santa would bring all of us huge cutting tables (along with the room to set them up)!
marec   Intermediate OR USA Member since 5/11/08 Posts: 3538	Login to reply to this post In reply to Krystal907 << Like this post Date: 12/10/12 7:12 PM Krystal, you can lay the extra fabric on a chair or another table if it won't all fit on your cutting surface. That should take some of the extra weight. I hope you can find a solution---I'm sure you will! ------ my blog: http://kf-biblioblog.blogspot.com/ Sewing through my pattern stash-125 completed.

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